Journalist's Notebook

The Immigration Debate

By: David Shepherd [dshepherd@wtwo.com]

The nation is divided on the idea of states adopting newer, tougher anti-illegal immigration laws. Spearheaded by Arizona’s controversial law, states across the country are looking in to following their lead.

In Indiana, state senator Mike Delph (R-Carmel) wants to pass an, “Arizona-like” law giving law enforcement across the state the authority to stop and question any individual about their status in the United States as long as the officer has “reasonable suspicion” they are here illegally.

Arizona Senate Bill 1070 Sec. 2. Title 11, chapter 7 (Section B):

“FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR A LAW

ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR A LAW

ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OF A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF

THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO

IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE

MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON,

During a recent interview on WTWO (NBC 2 – Terre Haute), state representative Clyde Kersey said, “I think the law is unconstitutional and the reason I believe that is because immigration is a federal responsility.”

Delph says he agrees with democratic critics who say immigration policy is federal jurisdiction. But Delph remains doubtful that a democratic president and congress will pass a federal policy strong enough to get the problem of immigration under control.

During a recent interview on WTWO, Delph told me he, and many republicans, are frustrated with Washington and ready to take matters in to their own hands.

Delph’s interest in illegal immigration reform is not new. For the past three years, Delph has proposed legislation in the State House that addresses illegal immigration. It has been defeated every time. This upcoming legislative session could be the fourth consecutive year Delph tries to tackle Indiana’s immigration problem. He says if congress doesn’t act, he will.

But is illegal immigration in Indiana really a big problem worthy of a new, tough immigration policy? Obviously, it depends on where you go. In smaller towns like Terre Haute, immigration doesn’t seem like a big problem. But go to Indianapolis, Fort Wayne or Bloomington and you might see a much more diverse population. Granted, Indiana, unlike Arizona, isn’t a boarder state but reports show at least 85-thousand illegal immigrants live in the Hoosier State.

I’ve spoken to state lawmakers on both sides and they seem to agree something must be done about Indiana’s immigration problem. The debate boils down to how exactly the reform should be implemnted.

So, what is all of this about? I think a lot of the nation’s problems right now make the issue of illegal immigration important to many citizens.

First, take national security. How can we possibly protect ourselves from terrorist attack if we don’t even know who is in the country? I’m a moderate thinker (who leans a bit more left than anything) but I want every person in this country accounted for.

I am not calling illegal immigrants terrorists but if we are serious about the security of our nation, we have to look at all illegal immigrants (not just from Mexico but from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, etc.).

Secondly, the job market is still struggling. People aren’t getting jobs as quick as they lost them during the recession. For a long time, Americans have debated if illegal immigrants take jobs that, “Americans don’t want.” To be honest, I don’t know the answer. I don’t know who is right in that argument. But either way, jobs are a big reason many people are looking at immigration more than usual right now.

With health care reform being unrolled as we speak, many fear that non-tax paying illegal immigrants will show up at hospitals looking for care with no money to pay the bill. Usually, when someone can’t pay a hospital, and they show a financial need, they can get financial assistance which is funded, in part, with federal tax dollars.

When reporting the story for WTWO, I asked viewers to write in and let us know what they think about illegal immigration. Out of all of the responses I received, not ONE wrote in opposition of immigration reform. It seems most people want something to be done but don’t know how to execute it. Is it possible citizens want some kind of action so any law cracking down on illegal immigration sounds better than nothing? Or do people really believe the particular details of the Arizona law are the best way to handle the immigration problem?

Honestly, how many people have actually read the actual transcript of the bill? You can’t take the national media’s word for it. If you turn on Fox News Channel, most of their on-air talent are more politically right thinkers and personal opinion too many times lead to viewers mistaking fact for opinion. It’s the opposite side of the spectrum when you turn on more liberal leaning CNN or MSNBC.

The sad truth is, the national media (along with some local media around the nation) are filled with people with a human instinct to analyze a problem and think of a best solution. So when you hear “facts” on television or in the papers, are you really hearing facts or are you hearing opinions being twisted slightly to sound factual? What’s the point you ask? If you want to really know what the law will and will not do, print off a copy and read it for yourselves.

At the same time, one could ask if the law is really needed. As I mentioned earlier, the Arizona law gives police the authority to stop an individual and question them about their status in the United States if there is a “reasonable suspicion” that the individual is here illegally. Isn’t reasonable suspicion just another name for probable cause? If a cop believed someone was here illegally before, do you think they didn’t investigate it before the new law took effect? All police need to investigate a crime (being in the country illegally is a crime, that’s not opinion, that is fact) is probable cause or “reasonable suspicion.”

Is this law nothing more than just a political bargaining chip months before a crucial national mid-term election? Do the framers of this bill think the law really changes things or is it just a way to re-write the current law in a more intimidating and frightening way? Could go either way.

One thing is for sure. The issue of illegal immigration is not going anywhere anytime soon. I think it’s going to be a hot mid-term election issue that will energize both sides. For some Americans, how a candidate views illegal immigration will determine how they vote.

Many legal scholars are already predicting a legal challenge in federal court. They say the law is unconstitutional and encourages law enforcement to use racial profiling as a tool in the war against illegal immigration. Some have predicted the issue of illegal immigration will be settled in the United States Supreme Court.

The high court has two fresh faces on the bench, both appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the senate. These two, Judge Sonia Sotomayor and United States Solicitor General, Elena Kagan, could be key in the opposition of the law, if it makes it to the Supreme Court. President Obama has said he is opposed to Arizona’s new law.

So, what will the next few months bring for immigration reform? I think we will be seeing a lot of federal legal challenges, an increase in racial tensions in some areas of the United States, and a real debate on the future of immigration reform.

Let’s not assume that real debate is a bad thing. Some of the nation’s most defining moments came out of great debate and a clear vision for change. It’s how things are supposed to work in a democracy. Liberals and conservatives are supposed to argue and lay out their positions. It’s the only way to ensure the minority voices are being heard. The Executive Branch is supposed to butt heads with the Legislative and Judicial Branches. That’s why we have separation of power.

Irish political philosopher Edmund Burke believed, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” No matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, have faith that good men and women will stand up, debate the issue, and put together immigration reform that is fair to all it affects.

Early December Cold Snap Grips the Nation

Frigid weather is gripping much of the country as far south as Florida.

Fort Lauderdale hit a record low temperature for this date (Tuesday) at 40 degrees. The old record was 42 set in 1841.

The National Weather Service issued hard freeze warnings Tuesday night into Wednesday morning for much of Florida with freeze advisories as far south as Hollywood.

Cold and snow have hit parts of North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Winter weather advisories are in effect for parts of those states with more snow expected.

IN Voters to Decide Whether Prop. Tax Caps Are Put In Constitution

David Shepherd - Nov. 2

Question 1 on the ballot in Indiana asks voters if they support making Property Tax Cap laws part of the state constitution.

Lawmakers expect the proposal to pass, but Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett says the caps are bad for cities who are struggling with the lack of revenue.

The Mayor says more cuts must be made to make up for the loss in revenue from the property tax caps.
Over the past two years, the caps have forced the city to cut more than $5.5-million.

Terre Haute is the 7th hardest hit city in the state when it comes to the caps' effects.

"It all sounds good. Everybody wants their taxes to go down," says Bennett. "But people don't realize that the translation is, you pay less, there's less service and people are not going to be happy with that in future years. I've not seen a lot of resistance to it out there and I don't think people really understand the true impact and cities and towns are the hardest hit because you can't raise any new revenue."

One city service that won't be cut this year is the city's leaf pick-up.

Last year, city leaders thought they wouldn't be able to afford to do it this year.

Wednesday, the Mayor said they'll make one pass to pick up the leaves if they are raked out to the curb.
Republic will also continue to collect bagged leaves.

The Mayor doesn't know if the city will be able to afford the program next year.

VA Man Accused of Plot to Bomb DC Metro

David Shepherd - Oct. 27

A Virginia man, born in Pakistan, was arrested Wednesday for allegedly casing Washington area Metro stations to possibly carry out a bomb plot on the Nation’s Capitol, police sources said.

34-year-old Farooque Ahmed is accused of approaching government employees, he thought were al-Qaida operatives, to join the so called bomb plot on Washington’s Metro.

NBC News has learned the ruse was conducted over the past six months and it allegedly involved Ahmed handing over video of northern Virginia subway stations to the men the thought were connected to the terror group.

Sources say he suggested using rolling suitcases, instead of backpacks, to kill as many people as possible.
Investigators also tell NBC Farooque offered to donate money to al-Qaida.

The FBI says the public was never in danger since agents knew what Ahmed was up to. They say he was monitored throughout the entire course of the investigation.

Hundreds Feared Dead in Mexican Mudslide

FROM MSNBC: Hundreds of people were buried in their homes early Tuesday after a rain-soaked mountainside gave way in southwestern Mexico, officials said.

Donato Vargas, an official in Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec reached by phone, said 500 people were missing and that 300 homes were buried after the slide around 4 a.m. local time.

"We were all sleeping and all I heard was a loud noise and when I left the house I saw that the hill had fallen," Vargas said.

"It has been difficult informing authorities because the roads are very bad and there isn't a good signal for our phone," Vargas said shortly before the call dropped.

Reached by the news agency AFP, Vargas added that "we fear that those missing are buried inside their homes because we've already searched nearby areas."

Mr. Colbert Goes to Washington (But Did Congress Get the Joke?)

David Shepherd - Sept. 24

It was suppose to be “lol” funny! But I’m not sure members of Congress got the joke.
Comedy Central star Stephen Colbert appeared on Capitol Hill today as a witness on the issue of migrant farm work.

The funnyman was invited to speak to the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security by the co-chair

“I certainly hope that my star power can bump this hearing all the way up to C-SPAN One,” Colbert told members of the subcommittee.

Stephen Colbert’s character comes across as a right-wing activist, ready to join the Republicans at any moment (while not confirmed, most think it’s just an act).

“We have to do something” about the plight of farm workers “because I am not going back out there,” Colbert jabbed.

“At this point, I break into a cold sweat at the sight of a salad bar,” he said.

It’s obvious his comments were meant to be taken light-heartedly by the elected officials but, as TV cameras showed glimpses of the committee members, not many seemed amused.

Some chuckled, others laughed out loud, but the majority rolled their eyes and sat expressionless as Colbert ranted on several issues including immigration and the economy.

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Thank you for checking out my blog. Feel free to browse, comment and participate in my Sound-Off Web Polls.

The information in these stories come from several sources from network news to my own sources in Indiana, Washington D.C. and elsewhere.

While many other blogs give the author's point of view on a variety of topics, it's my goal to present the information in an impartial fashion so you, the reader, can form opinions for yourselves.

I'm a firm believer in the old-fashioned style of news where the accurate information is the highlight, not the "If it bleeds, it leads" philosophy.

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David Shepherd Wins “Best in General News” Award

I was recently honored to win a Spectrum Award for Best in General News by the Indiana Broadcasters Association for a story I did for NBC 2 WTWO-TV in Terre Haute.

This is my first award from the Broadcasters Association.

I’d like to thank my photographer, Josh Lum, for shooting and editing the piece. Without his stellar work, this award would not have been possible.

Democrats Stump For Last Minute Votes

David Shepherd - Nov. 2

Democratic candidates for state office were in Terre Haute Friday stumping for last minute votes.

The candidates for State Treasurer, Secretary of State, and State Auditor greeted supporters.

As the election enters the home stretch, the democrats know they have ground to make up if they want to pull out a win on Tuesday.

Democratic Senate candidate Brad Ellsworth also made a stop in the Valley Friday.

Ellsworth spoke to a group of ISU students at Rhodes Hall.

The Senate hopeful discussed a variety of issues including Cap and Trade and the economy.

Ellsworth says his campaign is in full gear leading up to Tuesday’s election.

"It's going really well. I just left Indianapolis. I was in a room full of people; volunteers that were stuffing walking bags and making phone calls and that's really what it's down to now, is the ground game of who gets the votes out."

President’s Approval Drops to All-Time Low

David Shepherd - Sept. 24

Democrats are starting to smell blood in the water as new polling shows President Barrack Obama’s approval rating dropping to record lows.

Only 42 percent of Americans approve of President Barrack Obama’s job performance, according to a new CNN / Opinion Research Corporation poll. The poll shows 54 percent of Americans are not satisfied with the administration’s performance.

A sluggish economy and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have taken support for Mr. Obama to an all-time low.

Other democrats, some who are running in November’s mid-term elections, aren’t doing much better.
Congressional Democrats face a nine-point deficit when those polled were asked which party they’ll support in November.

Some political analysts say Republicans have a serious shot at picking up the 39 seats needed to re-take control of the House of Representatives (currently held by the Democrats).

Those Democrats may not be asking the President to stump for them any time soon. Only 37 percent of likely voters say they are more likely to vote for a candidate backed by Mr. Obama.

Nearly half of those polled said they’d likely choose a candidate supported by the Tea Party movement, an ultra-conservative base that’s gained growing support in recent months.

The poll also shows the majority of Americans believe Republicans, in general, are more engaged and excited about voting than their Democratic counterparts.

President Calls Ahmadinejad’s Comments “Offensive and Hateful”

David Shepherd - Sept. 24

President Obama called Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s comments to the U.N. on Thursday “offensive and hateful.”

"Well, it was offensive. It was hateful," Obama said in part of an interview with BBC Persian released by the White House.

"And particularly for him to make the statement here in Manhattan, just a little north of ground zero, where families lost their loved ones -- people of all faiths, all ethnicities who see this as the seminal tragedy of this generation -- for him to make a statement like that was inexcusable," Obama said.

During Thursday’s U.N. address, Ahmadinejad blamed the United States for the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, saying the U.S. was behind it.

I Iranian President’s remarks caused delegates from the United States, Europe and other countries to walk out of the U.N. General Assembly in the middle of his speech.

counterpart Friday for what he called offensive and hateful remarks about the September 11 attacks.